According to Eurostat data, more than 56% of self-employed individuals in the European Union continued working even after they started receiving their pension. The highest percentages of self-employed pensioners continuing to work were recorded in Sweden (98.4%), Finland (88%), and Ireland (87.7%), while the lowest were in Spain (18.2%), Greece (20.3%), and Slovenia (40.4%). This trend highlights the importance of self-employment and labor market flexibility across different EU countries.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the economic necessity driving self-employed pensioners to continue working, highlighting issues such as inadequate pension systems and the need for social protections. They may also discuss the challenges faced by older workers and advocate for policies supporting better retirement security.
Center: Center-leaning sources focus on the statistical data and the diversity of labor market behaviors across EU countries. They present the continuation of work among self-employed pensioners as a reflection of personal choice and economic conditions, emphasizing flexibility and the evolving nature of retirement.
Right: Right-leaning media often highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic of self-employed pensioners who choose to remain active in the labor market. They may frame this trend positively as a sign of individual responsibility and economic contribution, sometimes downplaying systemic issues related to pensions.
